From Mr. Cooper

To all my 9th grade Eagle Academy for Young Men of Newark scholars,

I would like to inform you all of the great news. I have been selected to participate is a research project: Exploring the Agroecology and Cultural Narratives of the SeneGambia River Basin: A PUNJ & University of This STEAM Initiative. This research project is with the William Patterson University and the Senegalese college, The University of Thies, and it will require me to be a away in Africa for 3 months, May-July. I will, consequently, be going on leave starting May 4, 2018, and I will be on leave for the remainder of the school year. Barring any complications, I am planning to return to the classroom the next school year where I will meet your scholar with open arms and a great experience to share. I will miss each one of my scholars while I am away in Africa, but trust that they will continue to thrive under the guidance of my substitute .

In my absence, Mr. A. Clark will be teaching my class. He has been with Eagle for years and some of you may already be familiar with his as he has substituted for me a few times in the past, as well as him being an integral part of the school. I feel confident that he will be a good fit for the needs of our scholars. He also has my contact information if any help with the class is needed while I am gone.

During my time in Africa, I will be happy to continue to answer emails and phone calls from scholars and parents. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to leave me a message by email at [email protected]. I look forward to seeing you all again when I return to the classroom working with your sons.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ryan Cooper